The Ref: He's Taken Them Hostage. They're Driving Him Nuts.
It's true. The Ref is my favorite Christmas movie. Now, be warned, you have to be a fan of smart, talky movies (think of comedies from the thirties and forties). The uniting of Judy Davis, Denis Leary, and Kevin Spacey was inspired, and Christine Baranski and Glynis Johns provide extra pith to an already pith-laden production.
Now you know, of course, that whenever you get Kevin Spacey and Denis Leary in one film there's going to a lot of talking and a lot of ranting, and the rants are truly delicious, topped off with Spacey's line: "The corpse has the floor!"
Judy Davis more than holds her own with Spacey and Leary, and B. D. Wong is delightful as the overwhelmed psychotherapist. As everyone gets a number in a musical, everyone gets a rant in "The Ref", reminding us again of why two people argue: because they're both right.
Give yourself a treat and don't wait for Christmas to watch this one. However, if the "eff" word offends you, don't watch this movie.
Note: The videos used to illustrate this movie contain bad language. Please do not play them if this offends you.
The Ref: The DVD Review
Caroline (Judy Davis) and her husband, Lloyd (Kevin Spacey), have been at each other's throats for so long that they've developed domestic arguments into an art form, and the would-be kidnapper turns into a reluctant mediator, even after he's got the battling couple wound up in bungee cords. The situation grows even more complicated when the couple's smart-aleck son comes home from military school, but it's not the plot here that's a top priority. Instead it's the sheer pleasure of witnessing a three-way verbal jousting match, written with razor-sharp skill and delivered by actors who are perfect for their roles.
The movie's got a dark edge, but it never gets too dark--you know that it's not going to slide into more seriously damaging territory, so you can sit back and enjoy the volleys of scathing insults and sarcasm the way you would a Don Rickles performance. If that sounds like your idea of entertainment, The Ref will serve it up with style.
Denis Leary: His Story
Denis Leary Biography
Denis Colin Leary (born August 18, 1957) is an American actor, comedian, writer, and director. He is known for his often biting comedic style and his chain smoking. Leary is the star and co-creator of the television show Rescue Me now in its fifth season.
Quote From "The Ref"
I have a gun, it's loaded, shut up.
Scene Two From The Ref
More From The Ref With Denis Leary
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Kevin Spacey: His Story
Kevin Spacey Biography
Kevin Spacey (born July 26, 1959) is an American actor, director, screenwriter, producer, and crooner. He grew up in California, and began his career as a stage actor during the 1980s, before being cast in supporting roles in film and television. He gained critical acclaim in the early 1990s, culminating in his first Academy Award for The Usual Suspects (Best Supporting Actor), followed by a Best Actor Academy Award win for American Beauty (1999). His other starring roles in Hollywood include Seven, L.A. Confidential, Pay It Forward, and Superman Returns in a career which has eventually earned him Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Since 2003, he has been artistic director of the Old Vic theatre in London.
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Quote From "The Ref"
You know what I'm going to get you next Christmas, Mom?
A big wooden cross, so that every time you feel unappreciated for your sacrifices, you can climb on up and nail yourself to it.
Judy Davis: Her Story
Judy Davis Biography
Judy Davis (born 23 April 1955) is an Australian actress best known for her roles in Husbands and Wives, A Passage to India and in the TV mini series Category: Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows - .
Davis first came to attention for her role as the fiery Sybylla Melvyn in the 1979 film My Brilliant Career. She has won many acting awards, most notably a Golden Globe Award, two Emmy Awards, one BAFTA and five AFI Awards. She has also been nominated twice for an Academy Award.
Have You Seen "The Ref"?
What Do You Think of The Ref?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byI Love It!
Lisa says:
Best Christmas Ever! Not Christmas without seeing The Ref!
Posted January 02, 2009
Diane says:
I watch it EVERY year at Christmas time.
Posted December 24, 2008
norm says:
Great holiday movies; Miracle on 34th St., A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, and The Ref. Watch them all every year.
Posted November 19, 2008
Ugh! I Hate It!
Here's my favorite link:
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What Do You Think of This Page About "The Ref"?
What Are Your Thoughts About the movie The Ref?
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- MindGuru MindGuru Dec 28, 2008 @ 7:11 pm
- Looks like a fun dark comedy. I especially like Spacey, ever since American Beauty--what a sick movie, but great.
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- WendyKrick WendyKrick Nov 9, 2008 @ 9:58 pm
- I've never seen this movie. I'll have to check it out. Nice Christmas idea.
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- RichLeigh RichLeigh Aug 17, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
- I'm not too sure this would be one for me but I definitely enjoyed the lens anyway!
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